Liver diseases
Liver Diseases
Liver diseases or hepatopathies (/ˌhɛpəˈtɒpəθiːz/; from Greek hepar, "liver" and -pathy, "suffering") are types of medical conditions that affect the liver. These diseases can be categorized into several types, including infectious diseases, genetic diseases, and cancer.
Etymology
The term "hepatopathy" comes from the Ancient Greek words hepar (ἧπαρ), meaning "liver", and -pathy (-πάθεια), meaning "suffering" or "disease".
Types of Liver Diseases
There are several types of liver diseases, including:
- Hepatitis - inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C.
- Cirrhosis - late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism.
- Liver cancer - cancer that begins in the cells of your liver.
- Fatty liver disease - a condition where fat builds up in the liver.
- Autoimmune hepatitis - a disease in which the body's immune system attacks liver cells.
- Biliary atresia - a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in infants.
- Hemochromatosis - a disease in which too much iron builds up in the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms of liver disease can vary, but they often include swelling of the abdomen and legs, dark urine, chronic fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of liver disease involves a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and typically blood tests. An ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan may also be used to assess the liver.
Treatment
Treatment for liver disease depends on the specific type of liver disease. Some liver diseases can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as stopping alcohol use or losing weight, while others require medication or surgery.
See Also
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